Mazel tov! August will be my family’s 10-year Aliyahversary, meaning ten years ago we left our life in America and moved to Israel. I can’t believe a decade has passed and it seems like just yesterday we boarded the plane.
Speaking of planes, based on the Nefesh B’Nefesh summer flight schedule, it looks like lots of folks will be flying this summer. Though it’s been many years since we were on that charter flight from JFK to Tel Aviv, I’m going to recommend some things to take on the plane. This list is catered toward families with elementary school-aged children based on my experience with traveling with kids who were aged 3-11.
DO travel lightly. The less you bring, the less you have to shlep. Everything feels heavier when you’re tired. As a parent, even though my children were “supposed to” be responsible for their own backpacks, I ended up carrying most of them and feeling like a pack mule.
DO bring
- gum
- lots of nosh- chips, pretzels, granola. Be sensitive to items with peanuts or other allergens that could be dangerous to other passengers.
- special treats- novelty candy, lollypops, etc, These are the items I never buy but they did keep the kids happy and entertained. These are the treats that include a novelty toy like a flashlight or other figit. Amazingly, this kept the kids busy for hours.
- a neck pillow
- comfy socks or slippers (if you want to take off shoes)
- phone or other devices for music + headphones. I haven’t flown in 10 years so I am not sure what in-flight options are currently.
- deck of cards
- a sweater or sweatshirt
- favorite stuffed animal/comfort item
- a chapter book for avid readers
- drawing paper, coloring book, activity book, and coloring utensils
- journal for older kids who like to write
El Al Airlines has a good article called Flying With Children with additional suggestions on preparing for the flight.
Here’s an article from Nefesh B’Nefesh on Aliyah flight luggage guidelines I recommend reading if you are flying in the near future.
Wishing you safe and happy travels and if you have any pre-aliyah questions in the jurisdiction of your “stuff” don’t hesitate to contact me
Karen, The Klutter Koach
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